Lake Size: 150 miles (240 km) Latitude: 35.9888 Longitude: -92.7126999 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 800 feet Counties: Newton, Searcy, Marion & Baxter Counties Cities: Buffalo City Lake Management: National Park Service
Information: The Buffalo River, located in northern Arkansas, was the first National River to be designated in the United States. The Buffalo River is slightly more than 150 miles (240 km) in length, with the lower 135 miles (217 km) flowing within the boundaries of an area managed by the National Park Service, where it is designated the Buffalo National River. The river flows through Newton, Searcy, Marion, and Baxter counties, from West to East. The River originates in the highest part of Boston Mountains of the Ozarks, flows out onto the Springfield Plateau near the historic community of Erbie, and finally crosses the Salem Plateau just before joining the White River. The Park is home to the State's only elk herd. The upper section of the River in the Ozark National Forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is designated as a National Scenic River and a National Wild River.
The Buffalo National River was established by an Act of Congress on March 1, 1972, ending the recurring plans of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct one or more dams on the river. The National River designation protects natural rivers from industrial uses, impoundments and other obstructions that may change the natural character of the river or disrupt the natural habitat for the flora and fauna that live in or near the river. At a point about 15 miles (24 km) above the Park boundary in Newton County, Arkansas, the Buffalo River begins as the Main Prong of Big Buffalo Creek. On 1:24,000 scale United States Geological Survey topographic maps, the Buffalo River is shown to form at the confluence of Reeves Fork and Big Buffalo Creek North of Fallsville, Arkansas. The River then flows North through Boxley to Ponca, where it then begins an eastward trek across northern Arkansas to its confluence with the White River on the Marion-Baxter County line. Advanced canoeists and kayakers often refer to the 15-mile (24 km) section upriver from Boxley, Arkansas as the Hailstone River. This extremely challenging section of the River is floatable only during periods of high water and should only be attempted by those with solid whitewater skills.
Along the upper River, the gradient is steep and the water is fast, leveling and slowing as the River runs its course. The upper section has most of the whitewater rapids to be found along the River, and features dramatic topography including sink holes and caves, springs and waterfalls, over 500-foot (150 m) tall sandstone and limestone bluffs, and many interesting rock formations. At one point, a 0.65-mile (1.05 km) hike from the River up a narrow, boxed canyon leads to a 209-foot (64 m) waterfall,[1] Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, the highest of its kind between the Southern Appalachians and the Rockies. The River's ancient current also gives life to well over 300 species of fish, insects, freshwater mussels, and aquatic plants.
The Buffalo National River is a popular camping, canoeing, and fishing destination. Visitors may bring their own canoes or rent from several independent concessioners. Camping is generally allowed throughout the Park with the following exceptions: the Hemmed-in-Hollow area, on Big Bluff, in historical structures, on private property within the Park, or within 100 feet (30 m) of any trail or watercourse. Camping is however permitted on gravel bars and sand bars along the River. In addition, the National Park Service has a number of "developed" campgrounds along the River.
The National Park Service headquarters for the Buffalo National River is located in Harrison, Arkansas.
Boating
Fishing
Business
Recreation
Miscellaneous Info
Major access areas
Boxley Bridge – located on the upper end of the river along Arkansas 21. Boxley provides access to the Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area, a joint area with the Ozark National Forest and the National Riverway. Provides river access[2]
Lost Valley - located on Arkansas 43 between Arkansas 21 and Ponca.
Boxely Valley Historic Area, Ponca (Jim Villines Homes)Ponca – Location of Beaver Jim Villines Boyhood Home. Ponca retains one of the old ‘low water’ bridges over the Buffalo. All boaters must portage over this barrier. Provides river access[2]
Steel Creek – is located on the upstream side of the Ponca Wilderness Area. Provides river access[2]
Kyles Landing – is located on the downstream side and across the river from the Ponca Wilderness area. Provides river access[2]
Erbie - Provides river access[2]
Ozark - Provides river access[2]
Pruitt Ranger Station – is on Arkansas 7 at the top of the hill overlooking the picnic area and foot access to the river. For boat access, you need to cross the high bridge on Arkansas 7 and use Pruitt Landing.
Pruitt Landing, looking down riverPruitt Landing – is located just downstream from Pruitt Ranger Station. Provides river access[2]
Hasty – located on Arkansas 123, Hasty is the second ‘low water’ bridge along the river coming down stream. Provides river access[2]
Carver – located on the paved road between Hasty on Arkansas 123 and Piercetown on Arkansas 74. Provides river access[2]
Mt. Hersey – is accessible from unimproved roads. From this access point, ‘Tha Nars’ (Narrows) and Skull Bluff are reached downstream. Provides river access[2]
Woolum - Provides river access[2]
Tyler Bend Visitor Center – is the primary public contact area. It’s just off of U.S. 65. There is a full service visitor center, picnic area, campground and ranger station. Provides river access[2] Additionally, the ‘Colliers Homestead’ preserves a record of life in the mountains [3]
Grinders Ferry – is located at the Highway 65 Bridge over the Buffalo River. Provides river access[2]
Gilbert – is at the end of Arkansas 333 a short 4 miles (6.4 km) off U.S. 65. Provides river access[2]
Maumee North – is on the north side of the river and west of Maumee South. It is accessed by an unimproved road. Provides river access[2]
Maumee South – is on the south side of the river and is accessed from an unimproved road beyond the end of the pavement on County Road 49.
Low water Bridge at PoncaDillards Ferry – is located on Arkansas 14 at the bridge over the Buffalo River. Provides river access[2]
Buffalo Point Ranger Station – is ar the end of the pavement on Arkansas 268. Provides river access[2]
Rushland – is reached by an unimproved road beyond the end of the pavement on County 26. It provides access across the river to the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area a joint wild area with the Ozark National Forest’s Leatherwood Wilderness Area. Provides river access[2]
Buffalo City – is located outside the National River at the junction of the Buffalo River with its parent the White River. Buffalo City is reached from the north on Arkansas 126. Provides river access, primarily as the last take out for the Buffalo River.[2]
Enjoy a day of river running or fishing
The Buffalo is suited for all canoeing abilities. You can find whitewater in the upper stretches of the river to satisfy the adventurer and long, lazy floats on the lower river for those folks seeking quiet solitude. Water levels will vary during the year based on rainfall activity. Visit the USGS hydrological web page to receive the latest information on rainfall and river levels. Bring your own canoe or make arrangements to rent a canoe, kayak, or raft from one of the park's many concessioners. Johnboats are also for rent. Fishing guide services can be arranged.
To many anglers, the hordes of visitors attracted to the Buffalo destroy the peaceful, aesthetic values that are the reason for going fishing in the first place. But this spirited colt of a stream has a remarkable capacity for swallowing up people in a maze of bluffs and canyons. And the Buffalo is a gem among Arkansas's float fishing streams.
Considered a model smallmouth bass stream, the Buffalo has fast, clear, oxygen rich water with the kind of gravel bottom and boulder beds smallmouth bass love. Floating in a johnboat or canoe is the accepted method of fishing, but during spring, try beaching your craft at the head of a deep, swift chute and drifting a lure near a boulder in the fast water. Many fishermen make the mistake of working the holes where the bass aren't and floating through the swift water where they are. The knowing locals often work surface lures at night for the big ones, and they catch them regularly.
The Buffalo's cool, clean waters also provide perfect habitat for channel catfish, green and longear sunfish and spotted bass. Veterans frequently rely on natural baits--crayfish, minnows and worms--in their efforts to entice a keeper.
Native Americans lived within the Buffalo River valley on the river terraces and under the massive bluffs. Hike to the bluff shelter known as the Indian Rockhouse. Pioneers settled along the river as well in communities like Erbie and Boxley. Visit the once thriving mining community of Rush.
Do you want an outdoor experience? Find a campsite in one of the national river's 13 campgrounds. Campsites range from primitive to hook-ups; these beautiful campgrounds are spaced all along the length of the river. Or take your gear with you and spend the night on a gravel bar. Looking for lodging accommodations? You can stay in rustic cabins constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The climate for Buffalo National River is typical of the Ozark region and the Mid-South. Winters can be cold with average daily temperatures between 24 and 49 degrees F. Summers can be hot with high humidity; all the better to play in the river. Temperatures range from the mid-80s to high 90s with humidity on some days in the 90% range. Spring is sometimes unsettled, with thunderstorms. Fall can present itself with a burst of color on the trees and comfortable temperatures in the 70s - 80s.
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